February 27, 2007
According to the program listing on Fox Soccer Channel.com, the Rhinos home opener versus the Vancouver Whitecaps will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.
If a game is starts at 8pm on a Friday night, you can probably expect that it is the FSC USL Game of the Week. Although, it doesn't look like the season opener between Virginia Beach and Puerto Rico will be broadcast live on FSC.
US Soccer Federation board approves bid for 2018 World Cup
A move that has been talked about in the press lately has taken another important step. The US Soccer Federation board has voted to officially throw their hat into the ring in an attempt to land the 2018 World Cup. If the US were to land the 2018 World Cup, it would mark a 24 year gap between World Cups hosted by the United States.
In 1994, the US was able to set all sorts of World Cup attendance records, along with hosting the first ever World Cup Finals match indoors at the Pontiac Silverdome outside of Detroit.
And while some would think that the US would be a slam dunk to get the 2018 World Cup, there are some who believe that the US has a better shot at landing the 2014 World Cup should Brazil not have their infrastructure ready in time for the tournament.
Robbie Fowler latest European star linked to MLS
With his contract expiring after the current season, Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler is being rumored to possibly move to MLS this summer. Fowler is in his 11th season with Liverpool and has also played for Leeds United and Manchester City in his career.
Fowler turns 32 years of age in early April, so there will be plenty of debate on how much he has left in the tank. However, Fowler would appear to be the type of goalscorer with a history of being a fan favorite with a big time club in Europe who very well could help out whatever team he lands with both on and off the field.
USMNT to face China on June 2 in San Jose
In their final friendly prior to the Gold Cup and Copa America this summer, the USMNT will take on China on June 2 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. It could be somewhat of a homecoming for players such as Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, and Jimmy Conrad who once called Spartan Stadium home as members of the San Jose Earthquakes.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 starting at 8pm.
Construction of Red Bull Park expected to begin in March
Construction on the 25,000 seat $100 million Red Bull Park is expected to begin next month according to AEG NY/NJ President Nick Sakiewicz.
Red Bull Park looks to rival the Home Depot Center in LA as the best soccer specific stadium in the United States. The plan is for it to open in July of 2008.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
